Mmp11 - matrix metallopeptidase 11

This gene encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family of endopeptidases that are involved in remodeling extracellular matrix during, for example, embryonic development and tumor progression. The encoded protein undergoes post-translational proteolytic processing by furin endopeptidase to form an active enzyme. Subcutaneous introduction of cells expressing the encoded protein into nude mice results in increased tumor incidence. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit a decreased incidence of chemically-induced tumors. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2015]